LIFESTYLE NEWS - Exposing your skin to the sun’s rays for a long period of time increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
Dr Nirasha Chiranjan, a radiation oncologist at De Muelenaere Oncology, which is located at the Sandton Oncology Centre, says excessive sunlight can damage the skin’s cellular DNA and this damage can lead to skin cancer. She recommends people examine their skin once a month and have a doctor examine it every six months.
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Dr Chiranjan said basal cell carcinoma often occurs on the face and other sun exposed areas.
Dr Robbie De Muelenaere, also a radiation oncologist, said although melanoma is not as common as other skin cancers, it is responsible for more than 80% of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can resemble a mole, can develop from a mole or on normal-appearing skin. It can spread to other parts of the body.
"Melanoma usually looks black because of the melanin inside it. But you get what we call an amelanotic melanoma. So you can have a blemish on your skin that changes," said Dr Muelenaere. These spots can vary in colour or look your normal skin colour. "It is better to have it removed. With melanoma the thickness of the lesion is important in determining the outcome. Do not wait until it is a centimetre or two. Have it checked immediately," said Dr Muelenaere.
• If moles become bigger
• If some of the moles do not match the others
• If the borders are irregular - moles should be nicely rounded
• If the colour varies
• If the diameter is more than 6mm
People should keep in mind that sunlight is also the main source of vitamin D.
"When we test cancer patients for vitamin D, invariably their vitamin D is very low. If you stay in the sun for 20min in summer and 30min in winter this is more than adequate to form enough vitamin D," said Dr Muelenaere.
Ultraviolet rays from sun beds, sunlamps and other tanning devices are also said to increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo, Hessequa news'
